Conducting research in respondents' homes: benefits, problems, and strategies

In summary, homes are valuable yet underused sites for data collection. Although homes are more frequently used for qualitative research because of the nature of qualitative inquiry requiring few distractions and more reflection, homes also can be used for quantitative studies. One major benefit of collecting data in homes is that of obtaining health-related information when a person is at baseline versus in a crisis situation. With adequate funding, attention to safety, and a mechanism for making and confirming appointments, homes serve as valuable sites for obtaining data.